ECECD Early Childhood Community Newsletter: Monday, January 5, 2026
What's Inside: 2026 MLK Dream Week and Final Call for Scratch Cooking Funding Opportunity + more
The full-text version of the ECECD Early Childhood Community Newsletter is available on the ECECD website here . La versión completa del Boletín semanal sobre el cuidado de los niños está disponible en el sitio web del ECECD aquí .
Featured Story
Final Call: Apply for the Scratch Cooking Pilot Program!
Is your early childhood center committed to serving freshly prepared, nutritious meals? The clock is ticking to join the ECECD Scratch Cooking Pilot Program!
This initiative is a unique opportunity for Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) participating centers to earn higher reimbursements while serving fresh, healthy meals to New Mexico’s children.
Why Should Your Center Apply?
Earn More: Receive an additional $0.65 reimbursement for every lunch and supper meal that meets scratch-cooking criteria.
Get Recognized: Earn a "Scratch Cooking Nutrition Badge" to showcase your commitment to quality care to families and the community.
Start-Up Support: Apply for one-time funding (up to $50,000) to assist with kitchen equipment, staff training, or minor facility upgrades.
Eligibility Requirements: To qualify, centers must participate in CACFP, serve lunch or supper, and operate a permitted self-prep kitchen (either on-site or via a central kitchen).
How to Apply: Deadline is Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
Don't miss out on this funding opportunity to elevate your center's nutrition program.
Review Program Details
Complete the Application
For questions regarding the application process, please contact Anna Martin at anna.martin@ececd.nm.gov .
January 5, 2026
What's Inside?
1. Reminders/Announcements
2. Events
3. Professional Development
5. Boletín en Español
Reminders/Announcements
Executive Budget Recommendation: Continued Investment in NM Families
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has released her FY27 executive budget recommendation, outlining a responsible and strategic spending plan for the upcoming year. As the New Mexico Legislature prepares for the 2026 session, this proposal emphasizes the state’s commitment to long-term stability and family support.
Most notably for our community, the budget includes $606 million to sustain Universal Child Care. This funding is vital to ensuring that no-cost child care remains a reality for families statewide, allowing parents to work or go to school while their children receive high-quality care.
In addition to early childhood investments, the recommendation continues robust funding for:
Education and health care
Housing and public safety
Water infrastructure
Read the full budget recommendation here .
We are grateful for the Governor’s continued leadership in prioritizing our youngest learners and the workforce that supports them.
View more reminders on the full-text version of the Weekly Child Care newsletter.
Nearly 1,000 Strong and Growing: Take the Universal Child Care Pledge
Knowledge Bites: How are Provider Reimbursement Rates Developed?
Celebrating Our 2025 Golden Chile Award Winners!
Early Childhood Brain Development and Executive Function
New Mexico Maintains Top National Ranking for Infant Early Intervention
View More Reminders
New Community Voices: The Power of Support
ECECD is proud to continue our storytelling initiative dedicated to bringing the real-world experiences of New Mexicans to the forefront. This project highlights how Universal Child Care is more than just a program—it is a vital support system for families and professionals across our state.
Our latest feature introduces Dawn Green, a Certified Peer Support Worker. As a dedicated professional and mother of three, Dawn expresses gratitude for Universal Child Care. Her story highlights how Universal Child Care provides the stability families need to thrive and how a strong support network builds a brighter future for all New Mexicans.
Hear from Our Community You can find Dawn’s story and others as they are released on the ECECD YouTube Channel
We are grateful to the individuals and families who share their journeys with us. Their stories are a testament to the progress we are making together to strengthen our community.
Thank you, New Mexico!
Recommended Reading:
Story: " In New Mexico, grandparents caring for grandkids can also get free child care now" from Source NM
Op-ed/essay " Universal child care: It took cooperation and compromise " from the Santa Fe New Mexican
Op-ed/essay: " Universal child care can lead to more educational opportunities " from the Albuquerque Journal
Podcast: " This State Made Child Care Free " from CNN
Events
January Early Childhood Community Call on Zoom
Join ECECD Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky and special guests on the first Tuesday of every month from 8–9 a.m., to discuss important issues pertaining to the New Mexico early childhood community. The next Early Childhood Community Call will be tomorrow Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
Did you miss last month’s Community Call?
Recordings: English | Spanish
Presentations: Community Call Presentation December 2025
Zoom Meeting Details (same link every meeting):
Join via Zoom
Telephone: 669-900-9128 or 253-215-8782
Webinar ID: 958 5783 9577
Save the Date: Early Childhood Day at the Roundhouse 2026
Mark your calendars! You are invited to join ECECD for Early Childhood Day at the Roundhouse on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
Starting at 10 a.m., the New Mexico State Capitol will open its doors to early childhood educators, families, partners, and advocates from across the state. This special day is a unique opportunity to come together at the heart of our state government to celebrate the progress we’ve made and connect with others who share a passion for supporting our youngest New Mexicans.
We are currently finalizing the full schedule of activities and look forward to sharing more details with you in the coming weeks. We hope to see you there as we continue…